Development

Burundi NOC and Wrestling Federation Organize Technical Course and First-Ever National Competition

By Tim Foley

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY (January 12) – The Burundi Olympic Committee with the support of Olympic Solidarity and in collaboration of the Burundi Wrestling Federation hosted a Level I technical course for coaches January 7-12 in in Bujumbura.

The course was conducted by two-time Olympic silver medalist and United World Wrestling (UWW) expert Juan Luis MARÉN (CUB) and gathered 28 participants including 7 women. The course also welcomed three coaches, five athletes and seven sports teachers. 


The UWW Development Department recently prioritized a series of initiatives which support less developed wrestling nations. To ensure that lessons were well-received UWW also helped Burundi host a national competition directly following the course. The competition included 25 cadet and junior level girls and 38 cadet and junior level boys. 

A budget of $3,000 was allocated to organize the event, with positive feedback immediately offered by the Burundi Olympic Committee.  

In order to encourage grassroot development of smaller national federations, UWW is encouraging countries to organize at least one competition per year, and when possible that will be supported and assisted by an Olympic Solidarity Technical Course for Coaches. 

“The aim is to help them understand all the aspects linked to organizing a competition. In Burundi it allowed coaches to understand the needs and the process of the organization of an event,” said Ms. Deqa Niamkey, UWW Development Director. 

“These competitions will allow our federations to further develop wrestling and attract the future generations to the sport. Also, with the presence of a UWW expert educator I trust these events will contribute tremendously to the growth of wrestling.”

#development

UWW More Than Medals Camp: Fun, wrestling, friendship in Serbia

By United World Wrestling Press

ZRENJANIN, Serbia (July 12) -- The UWW More Than Medals Europe U17 Training Camp was held in Zrenjanin, Serbia, from June 30 to July 6, with the support of the Serbian Wrestling Federation and the local wrestling club.

This event brought together 45 wrestlers and coaches from nine different countries. The week-long camp, led by Marty HAUCK (USA), was fully funded by United World Wrestling, reflecting its commitment to developing young talent.

The camp aimed to enhance the athletes' technical skills while providing exposure to different coaching styles and training partners. Wrestling was a common ground, helping participants overcome language barriers and fostering new friendships.

An important aspect of the camp was the Anti-Doping education session held on July 2, led by Gorica MILOVANOVIC from the Anti-Doping Agency of Serbia. This session emphasized the importance of fair play and clean sport and provided practical information on Anti-Doping procedures to the young athletes. Additionally, safeguarding sessions by Lei LIANG from UWW Development helped raise awareness and ensure the well-being and safety of the young athletes.

Beyond the intense wrestling training on mats, the camp also offered various recreational activities. The athletes enjoyed the swimming pool, engaging games, and a guided tour of Belgrade, Serbia's vibrant capital city. A brief tennis session added to the fun, providing a welcome break from their regular wrestling routines.

The camp received lots of positive feedback from the participants. Michele RAUHUT, the coach from Germany, expressed his gratitude, stating, “The German team would like to thank you very much for this exceptionally great training camp. Many thanks to Lei for the perfect organization and for your help. Thanks a lot to Marty for the great training. It was perfect.”